Dec 2013, Gao, Mali: In 2013, Mali was recovering from a violent conflict and a severe food crisis. Millions of people were in need of urgent assistance. CERF provided US$18 million to support life-saving relief efforts, including $6.6 million for the World Food Programme (WFP). Credit: OCHA/Tanya Bindra

Dec 2013, Gao, Mali: WFP was able to step up its operations in the north of the country where hundreds of thousands of children had their schooling disrupted by the combined crises. Schools had been looted and destroyed and, with families looking for ways to survive, education was not a priority. Credit: OCHA/Tanya Bindra

Dec 2013, Gao, Mali: WFP started serving two daily meals to 121,000 students at nearly 580 schools. Each child received an enriched breakfast of a corn and soya mix and a lunch with rice, millet, pulses and oil. Credit: OCHA/Tanya Bindra

Dec 2013, Gao, Mali: This emergency school feeding programme saw a rapid increase in attendance, especially for girls, as parents encouraged their children to go to school to ease the burden of feeding them at home. Credit: OCHA/Tanya Bindra

Teachers also noticed a difference in the student’s attitudes and an improvement in the focus and motivation of the children. This teacher asked: “How can a child pay attention if they are hungry? Now the children listen and learn.” Credit: OCHA/Tanya Bindra

Dec 2013, Gao, Mali: In order to respond to the immediate food and nutritional needs of people in Mali, WFP worked with partners such as Action Contre la Faim to provide specialized food and treatment for people affected by the crises – especially children. Credit: OCHA/Tanya Bindra

Dec 2013, Gao, Mali: A nurse records a child's weight and height during a consultation at a health center in Gao, Mali. WFP, in partnership with Action Contre la Faim, provide consultations, care and medication to malnourished children and pregnant women in Gao and other conflict-affected cities in northern Mali. Credit: OCHA/Tanya Bindra

Dec 2013, Gao, Mali: Support is also given to pregnant mothers to ensure that their own health needs are met, as malnutrition in children often starts in the womb. Credit: OCHA/Tanya Bindra